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Promising young swimmer chosen for Mears 'Future Champions' sponsorship.George Cooke, a 16-year-old swimming prodigy from Birmingham, has become the latest addition to the coveted Mears 'Future Champions' sponsorship programme.Aiming for Junior British Olympics and Commonwealth teams, George ranks 3rd of all British U16 swimmers, and holds the title of Fly Warwickshire County Council Champion. George said: "I just want to keep on improving so that I can make the Great Britain Olympic Team and the Commonwealth Team, and I am really grateful that Mears is helping me to try and be as good as I can be."The Mears Future Champions programme offers promising athletes like George up to £2000 a year to help with travelling and equipment expenses, as well as any mentoring and work experience opportunities that Mears Group can provide. Adam Ruckwood, George's coach and former Olympic swimmer and Commonwealth Gold Medallist, said: "George's swimming costs about £3,000 a year, and the support that Mears is giving George will help him immensely - it might even make the difference between him making it into the Olympic team or not."Established by Mears in 2006 to support potential British Olympic heroes of the future with financial backing and mentoring, 'Future Champions' has become a benchmark for supporting promising young individuals, investing in national sport at a grass roots level, and creating inspiring role models in communities around Britain.Ken Mantock, Director of Community and Environment for Mears, said: "With the UK hosting the 2012 Olympics and Paralympics, and Glasgow hosting the Commonwealth Games two years later, we have the perfect opportunity to support young athletes in achieving their goals and aspirations." Ken added: "The whole point is to find individuals who can inspire others, encourage sport participation and healthy lifestyles, and to give communities a role model that they can be proud of."